gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate at a glance
Medicine class
Topical aminoglycoside antibiotic with a corticosteroid.
Licensed uses
Outer-ear eczema with infection, prevention of outer-ear infection after trauma, and local treatment of infected mastoid cavities after surgery.
Eardrum check
Do not use if the eardrum is perforated or its integrity cannot be confirmed.
After opening
Discard four weeks after opening. Store below 25°C and do not freeze.
What is gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate used for?
This product is licensed for adults and children for:
Eczema and bacterial infection affecting the external ear canal.
Prevention of otitis externa following ear trauma.
Local post-operative treatment of infected mastoid cavities.
How does gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate work?
Gentamicin disrupts bacterial protein production, killing susceptible bacteria. Hydrocortisone acetate suppresses local inflammation, helping reduce swelling, redness and itching.
How to take gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate
Use only in the ear and follow the prescription label. Shake the bottle and wash your hands. Lie with the affected ear upwards, pull the outer ear back to straighten the canal, apply the drops without touching the dropper to the ear, gently massage in front of the ear and remain still briefly. A healthcare professional may instead place a medicated wick.
Do not insert cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal.
Keep the ear dry unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Do not mix the drops with other liquids.
gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate side effects
Common or expected effects
- No effects are classified as common in the product information. Local effects of unknown frequency include burning, stinging, itching, dermatitis and sensitivity reactions.
Get urgent medical advice
- New or worsening hearing loss.
- Marked dizziness, vertigo or another balance disturbance.
- Persistent irritation, sensitisation or signs of new or worsening infection.
- Blurred vision or another new visual disturbance.
gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate in pregnancy
Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Use only when a doctor considers it essential after assessing the benefits and risks.
gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate while breastfeeding
Safety during breastfeeding has not been established for this combination. Use only after a prescriber assesses its necessity and expected benefits and risks.
gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate interactions
Few interactions are expected from correct ear use, but important cautions remain.
Strong CYP3A inhibitors, including cobicistat or ritonavir-containing treatments
These may increase systemic corticosteroid exposure. Avoid combining them unless the benefit outweighs the risk, with monitoring for systemic steroid effects.
Systemic aminoglycoside antibiotics
Concurrent exposure may increase concern about neurotoxicity, kidney toxicity, or damage to hearing and balance.
Common questions about gentamicin sulfate + hydrocortisone acetate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can it be used with a perforated eardrum?
No. It is contraindicated when the eardrum is known or suspected to be perforated.
Can it affect hearing?
Hearing loss and balance-related toxicity have been reported with gentamicin. Stop using the drops and seek urgent assessment if hearing or balance changes develop.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.